University students from Thailand are studying English at City of Bath College and putting their language skills to the test.
The group of 20 students aged 18 to 20 years-old are taking daily lessons to brush up on their vocabulary.
They also want to put what they have learned into practice by talking to as many people as they can in and around the College.
The students tried out their conversational skills when they were officially welcomed to the city by Mayor of Bath Councillor Andrew Furse.
He invited the students to the Mayor’s parlour for a Civic Reception with tea and ‘traditionally-English’ biscuits.
They told him that they weren’t enjoying the cold weather but they liked English food, particularly cheese and sausage rolls.
Jirakun Nommakulvirut, 18, who is studying film studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, said: “This is my first time to Bath and it is very nice. It’s a romantic and beautiful city.
“The English lessons are very helpful and I try to use what I have learned when I can. We have been talking to as many people as possible.
“My English is getting a lot better.”
The three-week visit to Bath was organised and funded by the Siam City Cement Company. The students, who are staying with host families, have also visited London, Oxford and Stonehenge.
Trip leader Krittaya Ouipanich, International Programs Manager at Mango Learning Express, said: “We are very much enjoying our time in Bath.
“The trip brings together students from all different universities. The idea is that they help each other to learn English.”
